Get Ready For

Catapult 2026

 

Registration Closed
September 14–16, 2026 | The Westin Chicago Northwest
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Register Today!

$595/Ticket

Registration Closed.
Your Registration Includes:
  • Kickoff reception, learning labs & opening celebration with an open bar and dinner
  • 1.5 days of focused planning, workshops, and connection with lunches provided
  • 20+ breakout sessions with customizable, choose-your-own tracks
  • Cubs vs. Braves game at Wrigley Field (ticket, transportation + food included)
  • Networking with 400+ entrepreneurs, advisors, and leaders
 

Pause. Plan. And Catapult into Next Year!

Over three focused days, you’ll step out of the daily grind and into a high-impact environment alongside fellow leaders. Through expert-led sessions, guided planning with your advisor, and dedicated time to work on your business, you’ll create a strategic plan built for real momentum.

Whether you're a current client deepening your partnership or exploring what’s next for your business, Catapult gives you the space, structure, and support to refine your vision and execute with confidence.

 

The Details

Overview

We’ll kick off with a welcome reception on Monday evening and wrap by early afternoon Wednesday - giving you time to collaborate further with your advisor or travel home. A full schedule will be shared with registered attendees.

Our Location

The Westin Chicago Northwest
We’re excited to host you at the beautifully renovated Westin Chicago Northwest, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel conveniently located near O’Hare Airport and Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. During your stay, you’ll enjoy spacious, modern rooms and suites designed for both comfort and productivity. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, inviting common spaces, and on-site dining options, including a casual coffee bar and the 400 Park Bistro restaurant.

Rooms Are Full - Contact Mack with Questions

Attire

The attire for the event will be business casual.

The Investment

General Admission: $595 per person

Your ticket includes:

  • Kickoff reception + Learning Labs and opening celebration
  • 1.5 days of focused planning, workshops, and connection
  • 20+ breakout sessions with customizable, choose-your-own tracks
  • Cubs vs. Braves game at Wrigley Field (ticket, transportation + food included)
  • Networking with 400+ entrepreneurs, advisors, and leaders

Please note: Space is limited and tickets are final sale. No refunds.

 

Who Should Attend:

Owners & C-Suite

Business Owners looking to align their vision with a clear, actionable roadmap for the year ahead

Leadership Teams

Key Leadership Team Members who play a critical role in execution and want to contribute to shaping the strategy

Directors & Managers

Anyone Responsible for Driving Strategy and Results, including integrators, department heads, and senior decision-makers

 
 
 

What to Expect

Over three powerful days, you’ll step out of the weeds and into focused time for strategic thinking, connection, and planning. With a mix of advisor-led sessions, workshops, and expert speakers - and flexible, choose-your-own pathways on Tuesday and Wednesday, you can tailor the experience to fit exactly what you need most.

 
Monday, Sept 14th
  • Kickoff & Connection
    Arrive, check in, and ease into the experience with an energizing welcome reception. Enjoy light bites, drinks, and meaningful connection with fellow business owners, leaders, and advisors as you reset your mindset for the days ahead.

Tuesday, Sept 15th
  • Build Your Plan + Choose Your Path
    Dive into focused planning time with your advisor, while also having the flexibility to shape your day. Mix and match between deep work sessions, workshops, and expert speakers to build a plan that fits your goals. In the evening, join the group for a night out at Wrigley Field as the Cubs take on the Braves.

Wednesday, Sept 16th
  • Lead, Learn & Lock It In
    Continue refining your strategy with a blend of planning time, workshops, and inspiring speakers. Choose how you spend your time as you sharpen your leadership and lock in a clear, actionable plan—wrapping by early afternoon.
 
 

Detailed Agenda

Monday - September 14, 2026
3:00 PMRegistrationPick up your swag bag, Cubs ticket, and annual planning materials before the event begins.
4:00 PMWelcome ReceptionKick off Catapult with your advisor and fellow entrepreneurs over cocktails, light bites, and connection.
Build Your Own Catapult ExperienceEach learning lab time features four concurrent sessions. Choose the one most relevant to your business and customize your afternoon around your goals and priorities.
5:00 PMChoose One TrackWealth / Exit TitleBuild a Business Buyers Compete to Buy
Learn More		 DescriptionLearn how to prepare your company to attract multiple buyers, avoid costly exit mistakes, and create competitive tension that can lead to better offers and stronger terms. Presented ByCornerstone Business Services, Inc.
Financial Become Fundable Before You Need Funding
Learn More		 Learn what lenders actually evaluate, how to strengthen your funding profile, and which financing options may exist beyond a traditional bank loan. Pacific Business Funding
Technology Who Killed the Company? A Cybersecurity Murder Mystery
Learn More		 Take the mystery out of everyday cybersecurity risks—from shared access to sensitive documents—and learn how stronger security practices can protect your business, clients, and reputation. Spot Migration
Leadership Stop Managing Everyone the Same Way
Learn More		 Learn how to diagnose what each employee needs from you as a leader and adjust your leadership style to improve performance, accelerate development, and reduce frustration. Cultivate
5:50 PMChoose One TrackLeadership TitleBuilding Rockstar Performers in 90 Days
Learn More		 DescriptionUse a simple framework to help a new hire or existing employee become a stronger performer within 90 days, and leave with a practical plan you can execute. Presented ByCultivate
Financial The 5 Financial Numbers Every Business Owner Needs
Learn More		 Learn how to interpret five financial signals that reveal what is driving profitability, where growth is getting stuck, and which financial lever could make the greatest impact. Kommas with Kellé
Wealth / Exit Turn Your Business Equity Into Retirement Freedom
Learn More		 Understand how the structure and timing of a future sale can affect taxes, income, investments, and financial flexibility as you transition into retirement. Kuttin Wealth Management
Financial / Tech Take Control of Business Spending Before It Happens
Learn More		 Replace reactive expense reviews with clear policies, automated approvals, and real-time visibility to reduce waste and improve financial control. Ramp
6:30 - 9:00 PMEvening CelebrationCelebrate with dinner, music, an open bar, and more as we officially kick off the conference.
Tuesday - September 15, 2026
8:00 AMCoffee & NetworkingStart the day with coffee and connection before the morning keynote.
8:30 AM Become the #1 Choice in a Crowded Market Keynote with Gerry O’Brion Discover the Because Framework—a practical process for understanding what customers truly value, strengthening your message, and giving them a compelling reason to choose your business.
Learn More
9:30 AM Mastering the Art of Annual Planning Keynote with Casey Clark Build a stronger 2027 strategic plan with a focused approach to annual planning, then use the framework throughout Catapult to sharpen priorities, align your team, and turn the plan into action.
Learn More
11:00 AMNetworking BreakVisit our sponsors, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and recharge before the next session.
Build Your Own Catapult ExperienceEach breakout time features four concurrent sessions. Choose the one most relevant to your business and customize your afternoon around your goals and priorities.
11:20 AMChoose One TrackTechnology TitleMake Your Annual Plan Actually Happen
Learn More		 DescriptionLearn a simple four-part operating framework that keeps priorities visible, teams aligned, and the business executing long after annual planning is over. Presented ByPropel
Financial Profitable on Paper, Broke in the Bank
Learn More		 See why growing sales does not always mean a healthier business. Learn the key numbers every owner should review monthly and how a company can sell more while ending up with less cash in the bank. Breakwater
Marketing / Tech Building a Sales Growth Engine with Agentic Marketing
Learn More		 Learn how to build a scalable sales growth engine using agentic marketing to align strategy, messaging, content, publishing, SEO/AIO, and sales support in one connected system. RogIQ
Recruiting Hiring: Right People, Right Seats
Learn More		 Define the role clearly, evaluate candidates consistently, and avoid common hiring mistakes so you can hire the right person and set them up to succeed. Cultivate
12:00 PMNetworking LunchConnect with fellow business owners, advisors, and leadership teams over lunch.
1:20 PMChoose One TrackTechnology TitleBuild Smarter Systems with AI
Learn More		 DescriptionBuild repeatable business systems that leverage AI to improve consistency, increase capacity, and scale without adding unnecessary complexity. Presented ByCultivate
Wealth / Exit Protect Your Business Value During a Sale
Learn More		 Understand today's M&A market, evaluate different types of buyers, and recognize deal terms and tactics that can reduce your payout or derail a transaction. Benchmark
Marketing Beyond Service: Design an Exceptional Client Experience
Learn More		 Examine your client journey, identify the moments that shape customer perception, and make interactions more intentional to strengthen loyalty and referrals. Cultivate
Sales Increase Your Close Rate - From Maybe to Yes
Learn More		 Uncover what prevents prospects from moving forward, communicate value more effectively, and guide qualified opportunities toward a clear decision. Cultivate
2:00 PMNetworking BreakVisit our sponsors, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and recharge before the next session.
2:20 PMChoose One TrackMarketing TitleGrow Without Growing Your Ad Budget
Learn More		 DescriptionBuild a repeatable referral and partnership system that generates qualified leads without increasing your marketing spend. Presented ByCultivate
Financial / Tech When Growth Outpaces Your Systems: Financial Challenges of Managing Multiple Entities
Learn More		 Learn how multi-entity businesses can simplify consolidated reporting, intercompany transactions, chart of account management, forecasting, and bill pay to improve financial visibility and decision-making. Intuit- Quickbooks
Recruiting Grow Your Team Without Growing Your HR Risk
Learn More		 Assess your current HR practices, identify people-related risks, and build the policies, systems, and safeguards your business needs as it grows. Blackwell
Sales Expand Your Business Through Acquisitions
Learn More		 Understand how to identify, evaluate, finance, and execute acquisitions that fit your business strategy and support your growth plan. Cultivate
3:00 PMExtended Networking BreakVisit our sponsors, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and recharge before heading to Wrigley Field.
3:50 PMGather for Group Photo & Load Buses to WrigleyMeet in the designated gathering area for a group photo before boarding transportation to Wrigley Field.
6:40 PMCubs Game @ Wrigley FieldEnjoy Cubs vs. Braves at Wrigley Field. Transportation, tickets, a food voucher, and post-game return are included.
End of GameBus Pick Up: Irving Park & Sheffield Road (Same as drop off point)After the game, return to Irving Park & Sheffield Road, the same location as drop-off, for transportation back to the hotel.
Wednesday - September 16, 2026
TimeSessionDetails
8:15 AMNetworking Roundtables & CoffeeStart the day with coffee, connection, and structured conversations with fellow business leaders before the first roundtable session.
Peer Round Table ExperiencePick one of the 3 areas of focus to get real-time answers about your business and planning for your 2027 year. Each table will be able to focus in on specific questions based on your needs in the business.
9:00 AMChoose OneAI & Tech EnablementExplore where AI and technology can save time, automate repetitive work, improve the customer experience, and help your business operate smarter in 2027.
SalesShare strategies for building a more predictable sales engine—from generating better opportunities and improving conversion to shortening the sales cycle and reducing owner dependency.
RecruitingDiscuss how to attract, hire, onboard, and retain the people your business needs to successfully execute your 2027 growth plan.
10:15 AMChoose OneMarketingExplore what’s actually driving demand—from your best-performing channels and ideal customers to positioning, ROI, nurturing, and where to focus your marketing investment in 2027.
LeadershipIdentify where you may be the bottleneck and exchange ideas for building stronger leaders, improving alignment, delegating effectively, and reducing the business’s dependence on you.
ProductivityShare practical ways to eliminate low-value work, improve processes, strengthen accountability, and turn your 2027 priorities into consistent execution.
11:30 AMClose FocusOrganize next steps and finalize the priorities that will move your 2027 plan forward.
12:00 PM Plans Don’t Change Businesses.
Leaders Do. Closing Keynote with Rachel Balkovec 		Learn how strong leaders turn ambitious plans into daily execution, build cultures of accountability, and create teams capable of driving the business forward.
Learn More
1:00 - 2:00 PMNetworking LunchGrab lunch, connect with your advisor and fellow attendees, and wrap up your plan before departure.
Independent Team Annual Planning Time Available Throughout the Conference
Dedicated space is available for teams to meet, plan, and work alongside their advisors during sessions and breakouts.
 

Register Today!

$595/Ticket

Registration closes August 31.
Registration Includes:
  • Kickoff reception, learning labs & opening celebration with an open bar and dinner
  • 1.5 days of focused planning, workshops, and connection with lunches provided
  • 20+ breakout sessions with customizable, choose-your-own tracks
  • Cubs vs. Braves game at Wrigley Field (ticket, transportation + food included)
  • Networking with 400+ entrepreneurs, advisors, and leaders

Hear From Attendees

Kent Z., Owner
Mr. Sandless

This event was exactly what I needed! The dedicated time and structured step-by-step process allowed me to create a clear, actionable plan for the future of my business. I left with confidence, clarity, and a roadmap to make real progress.”

Andy N., Owner,
Nickols Roofing & Gutters

Stepping away from the daily grind to focus on my business at this event was a game-changer! The keynote speakers were inspiring, and I walked away with a plan to create superfans and sharpen my focus on the strategies that will take me to the next level—both personally and professionally.

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